India offers fantastic sourcing opportunities, but quality and reliability vary between suppliers. A little due diligence up front protects your money, your timelines and your reputation with your own customers. Use this guide to vet any Indian exporter before you commit.
Green flags to look for
- Clear, fast communication: Prompt, specific answers — not vague promises.
- Willingness to sample: A confident supplier lets you verify quality first.
- Honest specs: Real photos/videos and accurate product details.
- Documentation know-how: They understand your market's certificate requirements.
- A single point of contact: Someone accountable from quote to delivery.
Red flags to avoid
If a deal feels rushed, opaque or "too good to be true," slow down and verify before paying anything.
- Prices dramatically below everyone else's.
- Pressure to pay 100% upfront to an unverified account.
- Reluctance to provide samples, references or company details.
- Inconsistent answers about specs, packing or lead time.
- Only reachable on chat apps with no business footprint.
Verification steps
- Confirm the business exists: Company name, address and registration/IEC (Importer-Exporter Code).
- Start small: Order a sample or a trial quantity before a full container.
- Use secure terms: Reasonable advance plus balance against documents, or a Letter of Credit for larger orders.
- Inspect before shipment: Use a third-party inspection (or detailed photos/video) at loading.
- Get everything in writing: Specs, packing, Incoterms and timelines on the proforma invoice.
Questions to ask every supplier
- Can you provide a sample, and what are the costs?
- What is your MOQ and lead time for my product?
- Which documents and certificates do you provide?
- What are your payment terms and Incoterms?
- Can you share references or past export experience to my region?
The 5-minute vetting checklist
- Verify company identity & address
- Request a sample before bulk
- Agree secure payment terms
- Confirm documentation capability
- Put all terms in writing
Why importers trust Overseas
Overseas is built around exactly these principles — transparent specs, samples on request, honest pricing, full documentation and one responsive point of contact in Rinkal Jaypal and our team. We'd rather earn a long-term partner than win a single order. See why buyers choose us →